A path to student success

Learning your own way

Supported self-directed learning addresses the need that many institutions have for additional clinical practice that may be lacking due to a shortage of time or facilities, or for programs teaching in a distance learning environment.

Providing a safe, controlled and measurable experience is essential to student success. With self-directed learning, students can gain the experience they need using realistic patient scenarios to develop critical decision-making skills.

Self-directed learning provides a unique opportunity for learners to interact with a patient in a safe, realistic environment available anytime, anywhere. Research evidence suggests the efficacy of simulation-based education when practice is deliberate and the achievement of specific clinical goals is determined.

McGaghie, Issenberg, Cohen, Barsuk, & Wayne, 2011

Learning and retaining lifesaving skills requires repetitive practice and staying updated on best practices and research-based evidence in medical care. Participating in traditional instructor-led courses is time-consuming and can be logistically challenging for some learners.

Self-directed learning programs provide more flexibility than traditional educational methods because learners are free to choose when and where to participate. Without logistical constraints, learners have a greater opportunity to perform the desired low-dose high-frequency training routine that best enables competency development.

The future of teaching

Self-directed learning programs hold promise as the educational delivery systems of the future. Flexible and scalable, self-directed learning solutions guide the learners through complete courses of study by facilitating knowledge acquisition and enhancement of skills in a progressive manner that helps build competence and confidence.

By enabling learners to progress at their own pace and convenience, learners can achieve their educational goals in the most optimal way. Case scenarios, simulations, automated debriefing, remediation, and rich educational content enables students to master all aspects of self-direct learning using simulation.

vSim for Nursing

Designed to simulate real nursing scenarios, vSim® for Nursing, co-developed by Laerdal and Wolters Kluwer allows students to interact with patients in a safe, realistic online environment. Online interactive virtual simulations with integrated curriculum resources provide a full simulation learning experience for every student. vSim® for Nursing Fundamentals includes 10 fundamentals patient scenarios, authored by the National League for Nursing.

How Laerdal can help

Laerdal's self-directed learning programs are designed to provide the highest level of educational quality, clinical accuracy, and cost efficient delivery methods necessary to meet the educational goals of healthcare providers around the world.